The Green Bay Packers held their third training camp practice on a cooler, cloudy Friday at Ray Nitschke Field, following earlier sessions this week. Wide receiver Christian Watson showcased a strong performance, scoring two touchdowns during the final red zone period on Friday. His first touchdown involved a sprint across the formation, catching a quick pass from quarterback Jordan Love. Soon after, Watson secured another touchdown on a slant route from the left side, making an impressive grab in the back of the end zone.
Watson also caught a touchdown pass from Love earlier in the week on a post route. This comes after a season where he recorded multiple two-touchdown games and several games with at least 80 receiving yards following his return from a torn ACL. Watson, who signed a long-term contract extension this offseason, expressed enthusiasm for the receivers’ continued growth throughout training camp and readiness for Week 1.
Tight end Tucker Kraft returned to practice on Friday amidst ongoing contract negotiations. Kraft stated that doctors have described his knee as “spectacular” and his focus is on preparing for Week 1. He is uncertain when he will be cleared for 11-on-11 snaps but anticipates being a full participant in the joint practice against the Cardinals during the final week of camp, though he does not expect to play in preseason games. Kraft mentioned that general manager Brian Gutekunst is protecting him from himself during his gradual ramp-up. He also noted that Watson’s recovery from ACL surgery last year has served as an inspiration and a successful roadmap for his own return.
Defensive Line and Cornerback Updates
On the defensive front, the top edge rushers with the first-team defense have been Lukas Van Ness and Barryn Sorrell. On Friday, Brenton Cox Jr. and Collin Oliver also rotated with the first unit. Oliver, a fifth-round draft pick in 2025, missed much of his rookie season due to a hamstring injury from his college days and also missed time this past spring with an undisclosed injury. He has been fully cleared since the start of camp and feels he is in a good mental and physical state. Oliver emphasized the importance of taking advantage of reps, regardless of whether they are with the first, second, or third team.
Rotations along the interior defensive line have also been consistent, with Devonte Wyatt not yet participating in 11-on-11 snaps and Javon Hargrave sidelined with a knee injury. Defensive linemen Anthony Campbell and Jonathan Ford, both lesser-known names, rotated in for some first-team snaps on Friday. Campbell was an undrafted rookie with Seattle last year, spending part of the season on the Seahawks‘ practice squad. Ford, a 2022 seventh-round pick, is in his second stint with the Packers after spending time with the Bears.
Cornerback Keisean Nixon, who missed the first practice of camp on Wednesday due to hamstring tightness, returned on Thursday in a limited capacity. Nixon clarified that his absence was not related to his contract status, stating he was sore and sought a scan. He is entering the final season of a three-year, $18 million extension signed in the 2024 offseason and has hinted at seeking a raise. Nixon indicated that contract discussions are being handled by Gutekunst and his agent, Tory Dandy.
Nixon reflected on his performance last season, acknowledging mistakes and penalties, but felt he had a strong start to the year as a full-time outside cornerback. He is ready to prove himself again this year. Safety Javon Bullard, a 2024 second-round pick, has taken up boxing to improve his conditioning and hand-eye coordination. Bullard forced a fumble from wide receiver Skyy Moore during Thursday’s practice, which was recovered by safety Xavier McKinney. The team is progressing towards full-contact practices, having worn “spider pads” under their jerseys on Friday and planning to do so again on Sunday before putting on full pads on Monday.
Additional Practice Notes and Injuries
Wide receiver Matthew Golden has been active in practice, making catches from quarterback Love against coverage from Nixon and rookie cornerback Brandon Cisse. Golden expressed confidence in his hands and his ability to perform when called upon. Linebacker Edgerrin Cooper appeared to pull up during a special teams drill on Thursday and did not return to team drills. Left guard Aaron Banks took a load-management day on Thursday due to a knee injury, while offensive lineman Jager Burton missed practice after tweaking his hamstring on Wednesday. Wide receiver Brenden Rice also missed practice due to a hamstring injury.
Other players who remained sidelined include edge rusher Micah Parsons (knee), tight end Luke Musgrave (neck), long snapper Matt Orzech (calf), and offensive lineman Brant Banks (hamstring). Nickel Johnathan Baldwin, an undrafted free agent from 2025, made an interception during Thursday’s practice, boosting his confidence. Second-year wideout Savion Williams also made an impressive catch from backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor in traffic. The team is getting closer to putting on full pads, with the next step being Monday’s practice.
Source: packers.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.